London,
Sept. 9th.
Reuter's Agency learns from an authoritative source that the line to be followed by the Union Government of South Africa, as outlined in General Botha's speech, has been well known in official circles for some time. From the outset there has been the closest touch between the Imperial and the Union Governments, both as regards the general attitude of the latter and the military requirements in view of the war with Germany. On the outbreak of war a brief but significant telegram was received from General Botha, containing merely the words, "We will do our duty."
What this implies as regards the neighbouring German colony cannot, for obvious reasons, be stated in detail at this stage. It may be declared, however, that the news of the crossing of the Orange River by two German forces spread like wildfire through South Africa and caused a feeling of the greatest indignation, and, without any suggestion from the Imperial Government, steps were at once taken—and have since been completed—for effectually dealing with German South-West Africa.
It was on the initiative of General Botha's Government that, on the outbreak of war with Germany, the Union Government telegraphed to London suggesting that the garrison of Imperial troops should be withdrawn, and offering the whole military resources of South Africa for the defence of the Union, including the native territories.
It had by this time become apparent that this meant not only defence, but also offensive operations against the adjoining German colony of 326,000 square miles in extent, with its garrison and fortifications. What this involved was perfectly well known to the authorities, who were aware of the large quantities of cannon, arms, and ammunition that had been poured into the country in the vain hope that the Boers would join the Germans when trouble arose.
The South African Government does not expect a "walk-over," but it is prepared for all eventualities. It has been a matter of the greatest gratification to the Union Government that, at this juncture, the Imperial Government offered to give South Africa all the financial assistance needed. In this connection it should be explained that all defence measures and warlike operations are being undertaken at the expense of the Union Government. The offer of the Imperial Government, which is of great value in view of the moratorium, is to lend what money may be necessary for the time being for war purposes.
At home, too, by way of showing how united the nation was at this critical time, it should be mentioned that after a two days' conference, the Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress, issued, on September 3rd, an important manifesto to trade unionists of the country on the war. It stated that the committee was especially gratified at the manner in which the Labour party in the House of Commons had responded to the appeal made to all political parties to give their co-operation in securing the enlistment of men to defend the interests of their country, and heartily endorsed the appointment upon the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee of four members of the party, and the placing of the services of the national agent at the disposal of that committee to assist in carrying through its secretarial work.
The manifesto proceeded: